A review by xolaris_12
Becoming Madame Mao by Anchee Min

5.0

Admittedly, I wasn't too educated on Jiang Qing and her impacts in the Cultural Revolution in China prior to reading, but alongside doing my research with this book, I feel like I have a much better understanding of who she was as a leader and where her motives stemmed from. The author sites one of her goals being to create a more sympathetic portrayal of the controversial leader through turning personal writings and letters into a complete historical fiction novel, and I truly believe that the author succeeded. I wouldn't extend as much sympathy as to excuse her actions, but I would say that the author's attention to detail and beautiful portrayal of emotions (especially betrayal and disappointment), definitely helped me see how Madame Mao came to be. The author's writing is so immaculate, to the point where I felt myself visualizing each word on the page. Would definitely recommend this book to fans of historical fiction.